Marilyn Espy McClendon

HEADLAND. . .Marilyn Espy McClendon, a resident of Headland, died late Wednesday afternoon, November 21, 2012, in the Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham. She was 67.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, November 24, 2012, in the Worship Center of the First Baptist Church of Headland with Dr. Cecil M. Sanders, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the Headland Baptist Cemetery. Holman-Headland Mortuary is in charge of funeral arrangements. The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 P.M. Saturday in the church Worship Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Headland “Bridge To Tomorrow” Building Fund, 301 East Church Street, Headland, AL 36345.

Marilyn McClendon was born and raised in Headland, daughter of the late Major Watt Espy, Sr. and Edith Vann Espy. She was a 1963 graduate of Headland High School and was honored as the class Salutatorian. Marilyn was also a graduate of Samford University where she received a degree in Business. She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority and served as her chapter’s President.

Marilyn was married to Don F. McClendon for forty-five years. She was a devoted wife and mother to Melanie and Jeff. One of the greatest joys of her life was her six grandchildren, who affectionately referred to her as “Grand”!

Marilyn was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Headland, and held many teaching positions within its Sunday School. She most recently served as a co-teacher of the Sara F. Lee Ladies Sunday School Class. Marilyn also volunteered weekly for several years at the First Baptist Church office. Additionally, she served on the Special Events Committee for First Baptist Church. Marilyn had a generous heart and a giving spirit, always looking to help others.

Marilyn worked at the Headland National Bank from 1977 through 1991 and retired holding the title of Executive Vice-President. She served on the Headland National Bank Board as a Director and as Secretary of the Board. Marilyn was also a Director of the Espy Mercantile Company. She was a member of the Headland Study Club. Marilyn enjoyed traveling, particularly to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where she and Don vacationed each summer with their children and grandchildren. Marilyn loved cooking for her family and friends, and blessed many people with her “glorified” brownies and caramel cakes.

Marilyn was preceded in death by a sister, Mila Espy Woods, a brother, Mark Carroll Espy, Sr. and a half-brother, Major Watt Espy, Jr.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Donnie Smith, Miles Espy, Sr., Jimmy Newsom, Dwight Gamble, Tim McCraney, Billy Woods, Ryan McClendon, Matthew McClendon, Mac Smith and Jimmy Hicks. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be past and present employees of the Headland National Bank and its Board of Directors and also members of the Sara F. Lee Sunday School Class.

HOLMAN HEADLAND MORTUARY IS IN CHARGE OF FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com.